Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The appeals for the proposed reduction of the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and the proposed later effective dates for his bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies were dismissed as the November 2024 rating decision was not a finalized decision that can be appealed.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected disabilities, as the evidence demonstrated she was unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment.

The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's sciatica of the left lower extremity, finding that the evidence supports moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board remands the claims for a higher rating of left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and a separate rating for bilateral restless leg syndrome due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence supported a moderate incomplete paralysis rating.

The Board granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, headaches, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. It also dismissed the claims for higher ratings of reactive airway disease, allergic rhinitis, and PTSD, denied service connection for CFS and TBI, and granted a 30% rating for IBS.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability prior to April 29, 2019.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a skin disorder due to an improper concurrent election. The effective dates for the lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathies, and TDIU were denied as they did not meet the criteria for earlier effective dates.

The Board remands the claims for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's disabilities from May 7, 2013, to August 5, 2019.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as there was no evidence to support higher ratings or a grant of service connection.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathies, and the Board has dismissed the case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, as well as an earlier effective date for tinnitus.

The appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy was dismissed due to a procedural defect.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ, as well as an earlier effective date for left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the radial nerve of the left upper extremity and a compensable initial rating for radiculopathy of the radial nerve of the right upper extremity prior to August 5, 2021.

The appeal was dismissed as the proposed rating reductions were not final and appealable actions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities, while severe, do not render him unable to obtain or maintain a gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased initial ratings and service connection, effective November 18, 2019.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded service connection claims.

The Board remands the claims for a VA examination to address service connection and rating issues.